Edward Turner

Reprinted after a long absence For the first time, the life of Edward Turner, one of Britain's most talented motorcycle designers, is revealed

Although seen by many as an irascible man who ran a very tight ship, it is an inescapable fact that Triumph was a highly profitable, industry pushing company. Turner's hugely successful sales campaign after World War 2 stunned American manufacturers, and had long-lasting repercussions on their own home market.

No one can deny the impact his Ariel Square Four made at the annual Motor Cycle Show in 1931, his superbly-styled single cylinder Tiger models in 1936, and his revolutionary Speed Twin that dominated the Show in 1937. Even more was to follow with his post-war Thunderbird and Bonneville twins.